49 SKULL Body shapes Eastern breeds tend to have a slender body shape best suited to warm climates. They have a higher surface area to volume ratio to aid cooling. Western breeds tend to be stocky and prefer a temperate climate. They have a low surface area to volume ratio, which helps to retain heat. Some breeds have a body shape that falls between these two extremes. Tail shapes Most cats have a long tail, which they use for balance and communication. A few breeds, such as the Manx and Bobtails (see pp. 161–63), have a short, stumpy tail or no tail at all. One breed, the American Ringtail (see p. 167), has a curl in its tail. RING TAIL BOBTAIL movements and allows a cat to squeeze effortlessly through gaps wide enough to accommodate its head. Like all carnivores, three of the wrist bones are fused into what is known as the scapholunar bone. It is thought to be an adaptation for climbing that appeared in the early ancestors of the group. Powerful, long hind limbs are attached to the pelvis with ball-and-socket joints and provide drive when running and pouncing. BODY FORM The body form of different types of cat is remarkably uniform when you consider the range of shapes and sizes in dogs. This is partly due to the fact that their function was solely pest control, whereas dogs were used for many different purposes, such as hunting and herding; and partly due to the fact that the genes that control size are not as easy to manipulate. There are, however, some feline exceptions, such as the tailless Manx (see pp. 164–65) and the short-legged Munchkin (see pp. 150–51 and p. 233). The smallest cats, such as the Singapura (see p. 86), reach an adult weight of 4–9lb (2–4kg) and the largest breeds, such as the Highlander (see p. 158), range from 10–25lb (4.5–11kg). The adult weight among dog breeds, on the other hand, can range from 3–175lb (1–79kg). The relatively large size of some of the new hybrid breeds may be influenced by the genes from their wild cat ancestors. For example, the Savannah (see pp. 146–47) is derived from a serval-domestic cat cross and the Chausie (see p. 149) from a jungle cat-domestic cat cross. Some variety does occur, however, within the head (see above) and body (see below) shapes of domestic cats. Oriental breeds, such as the Siamese (see pp. 104–09), tend to have a slender, highly sinuous build, long, thin limbs and tail, and a wedge-shaped head. Western breeds, such as the British Shorthair (see pp. 118–19), have a stocky shape, with a compact, muscular body, relatively short legs, a thicker tail, and a rounder head. Of course, many breeds, such as the Ragdoll (see p. 216), fall between these two extremes of body shape, and the head and body forms can be combined in different ways by the different cat breeders. Body forms also tend to vary around the world, depending on the climate of a region. INTERMEDIATE BODY STOCKY BODY Head shapes Most cats resemble their wild ancestors, having a round head with a wedge-shaped face. Some breeds, however, have an elongated wedge shape, while others have a rounded, flat “doll face.” ROUNDED, FLAT FACE (FRONT) ROUNDED, FLAT FACE (SIDE) ROUNDED, WEDGESHAPED FACE LONG, WEDGESHAPED FACE SLENDER ATHLETIC BODY LONG TAIL A domestic cat’s skull is broad with a short nose. It is made up of 29 bones that fuse together as a cat matures and stops growing. The eye sockets, or orbits, are very large and face forward, which allow hunters to judge distance accurately when pouncing on prey. The lower jaw of the cat is relatively short compared to their wild relatives, especially big cats such as the leopard and lion. It is connected to the skull by a hinge joint that limits movement to the vertical plane and is controlled by strong masseter muscles that provide a powerful bite so that a cat can maintain its hold on struggling prey. THE SKELETON AND BODY FORM
50 The skin is an organ, like the heart or liver. In fact, it is the largest organ of a cat’s body, enveloping and protecting the animal from environmental threats and diseases. The soft fur coat, which grows from the skin, is composed of different types of hair and also plays a protective role. The ancestors of the domestic cat were shorthaired, but selective breeding has produced other coat types, ranging from silky longhaired to almost hairless. Skin and coat FELINE BIOLOGY | SKIN AND COAT Skin structure This cross-section of a cat’s skin and coat shows the outer protective epidermis, made of dead, toughened cells, and the inner dermis, rich in blood vessels, nerves, glands, and hair follicles that form the coat. The cat’s skin has many roles: it acts as a barrier against disease-causing agents, or pathogens; it forms a waterproof layer, preventing vital fluids from leaking out of the body; its blood vessels help regulate internal body temperature; and it makes vitamin D, which is necessary for healthy bones. Cats have loose skin that complements their natural flexibility of movement. This looseness also helps when fighting, because it allows a cat to turn to some degree and defend itself, even when its skin is held. TWO LAYERS The skin has two layers: the outer layer is called the epidermis, and the inner, the dermis. The epidermis is mainly composed of layers of dead, flattened cells containing a tough protein called keratin and waterresistant chemicals. The hair and claws are also made largely of keratin. The deepest, or basal, layer of the epidermis is only about four cells thick and consists of living cells. These cells divide repeatedly to replenish the outer layers, which are constantly shed from the body’s surface. The epidermis also contains immune cells that fight pathogens. The inner layer, the dermis, is more complex and contains connective tissue, hair follicles, muscles, blood vessels, sebaceous and sweat glands, and millions of nerve endings that detect heat, cold, light touch, pressure, and pain. Cats do not produce sweat to cool the skin. Instead, they produce oily secretions from the sweat glands that condition and protect the skin and coat. A cat’s skin is pigmented—except in areas where the fur is white—and is the same color, although slightly paler, as the hair that grows from it. Glands in a cat’s skin also release a scent, which is a vital component in feline communication (see p. 281). TYPES OF HAIR Cats have four kinds of hair: down, awn, guard, and sensory hair. Down hair is fluffy, short, and thin and provides insulation for warmth. Awn hair is intermediate in length, has thickened tips, and provides warmth, but is also protective. Guard hair forms the outer Sweat gland responds to nerve signals Tylotrich hair is a type of sensory hair Dermis is composed of strong, elastic tissue Capillaries supply blood to dermis Basal layer produces cells for surface layer Surface layer of dead, keratinized cells Guard, or primary, hair forms the protective layer of the coat Nerve carries signals from skin and hair Follicle contains many hair roots Sebaceous gland secretes oil Smooth surface of skin Awn hair is fine secondary hair Down hair is soft and wavy secondary hair Subcutaneous fat Coat types Most cats are shorthairs, but some have other types of coat. Hairless breeds, such as the Sphynx, have almost no hair; rexed cats have curly hair; and longhaired breeds have hair up to 5in (12cm) long. HAIRLESS Erector muscle
51 SKIN AND COAT coat does not contain any awn hairs; the Cornish Rex’s (see pp. 176–77) coat does not have any guard hairs, just curly down and awn hairs; and the apparently hairless Sphynx (see pp. 168–69) has a light covering of down, but lacks whiskers. Coats come in a bewildering range of patterns and colors (see pp. 52–53). Coat color is produced by two forms of the pigment melanin: eumelanin (black and brown) and phaeomelanin (red, orange, and yellow). Except for white hair, all colors are the result of varying amounts of these two pigments on the hair shaft. Pigmentation in cat fur varies from an even distribution along the hair shaft, which produces a solid coat, to no pigment at all, which gives white fur. A solid coat’s color varies with the density of pigment in the coat hairs. For example, dilute black gives blue. If just the end part of each hair holds color, the coat is tipped, shaded, or smoke (see p. 52). Ticked shafts have alternating dark and light bands and give a color called agouti. UNDERSTANDING COAT COLORS Communicating by scent Cats have a phenomenal sense of smell. They deposit scent produced by sebaceous glands in the skin to communicate with other cats without meeting face to face. Scent, which contains chemicals called pheromones, allows cats to recognize friends and enemies, different territories, and the sexual status of other cats. coat, which protects the cat against the elements. These straight hairs, which taper toward their end, are the thickest and longest of the three types of coat hair. They are more dense on the back, chest, and abdomen. Whiskers, or vibrissae, are long, thick sensory hairs found on the cat’s head, throat, and forelegs. These touch sensors help a cat to explore in the dark and to detect nearby objects (see p. 45). Other sensory hairs, called tylotrichs, are scattered throughout the coat and have a role similar to that of the whiskers. Cats have compound hair follicles, which means that many hairs, but only one guard hair, grow from a single follicle. This creates a thick coat—one square millimeter of cat skin can contain as many as 200 hairs. Hair itself is made of overlapping scales, which are the remains of keratin-packed cells. Each follicle has a sebaceous gland, which produces oil to waterproof and condition the coat, and a small muscle that raises the hair when the cat is angry or excited, making it appear larger and more daunting to enemies. The sensory hairs are by far the least numerous of all types of hair. The other types of hair occur roughly in the ratio of 100 down: 30 awn: 2 guard hairs. However, selective breeding has altered this proportion and lengths in many breeds to produce a variety of coats. For example, the Maine Coon’s (see pp. 214–15) longhaired SHORT-COATED CURLY-COATED LONG-COATED SOLID TIPPED SHADED SMOKE TICKED Cats spread scent from their heads during friendly greetings Cats deposit scent from paws when scratching Scent from upper back and rump is rubbed on objects to mark territory Scent from anal glands coats feces to help mark territory One-eighth holds color Onequarter holds color Solid color Half of the hair holds color Band of color Band without color
52 FELINE BIOLOGY | SKIN AND COAT SOLID COLORS Black and red and their dilute forms, blue and cream, are known as Western colors because they traditionally occurred in European and American breeds, such as the British Shorthair and Maine Coon. Solid-white and bicolored are also considered Western. Coat colors traditionally found in breeds with origins east of Europe, such as the Siamese and Persian, are known as Eastern colors. They are chocolate and cinnamon, and their dilute forms, lilac and fawn. All colors now occur globally. TICKED FUR The hair shafts have alternating pigmented and paler bands in ticked coats. The tips of each hair are always pigmented. Also known as agouti, ticked fur occurs in many wildcats and other mammals because it provides excellent camouflage. TIPPED FUR When just the tip of each hair is heavily pigmented, the effect is known as tipping, chinchilla, or shell. The unpigmented section of the hair is usually white, or silver, although undercoats with yellow or reddish coloring can occur. SMOKED FUR When about half of the uppermost hair shaft is colored, the coat is known as smoke. Cats with smoked fur often appear to have a solid coat. When the cat moves, however, the paler roots become more visible and the coat “shimmers.” SHADED FUR The upper quarter of each hair is colored in shaded fur. Shaded fur appears darker on the back, where the fur lies flat. When the cat moves, shading produces a rippling effect. A coat in which the shaded part of the hair is red or cream is called a cameo. BLACK BLUE CINNAMON FAWN LIGHT CHOCOLATE TIPPED BLUE-TIPPED SILVER CREAM SHADED CAMEO SILVER SHADED BLACK SMOKE BLUE SMOKE SILVER RED RUDDY
53 SKIN AND COAT POINTED Coats in which the extremities are dark and the body paler are called pointed. In the Siamese and Persian Colorpoint, this pattern is controlled by a heatsensitive enzyme involved in producing hair pigment. The enzyme works only in the cooler extremities of the body, hence the darker fur. The pointed coat of the Turkish Van, with dark fur on the head and tail only, is a form of white spotting. WHITE SPOTTING Patches of white in a cat’s coat are produced by a dominant gene that suppresses the production of colored fur. The result is a parti-colored coat (see above). The patches vary from just one small area to an almost all-white coat. TABBY PATTERNS Swirls, stripes, or spots of black, brown, silver, or red solid fur mixed with paler areas of ticked fur form tabby coats. There are four main patterns: spotted; classic (blotches or swirls); mackerel (striped); and ticked. PARTI-COLORS A parti, or parti-colored cat, has two or more colors in its coat. Partis include bicolor and tricolor cats and are found in many breeds, both shorthair and longhair. Partis also include torties (see right) and tabbies (see below, right) with white patches. When torties have a high proportion of white fur, the pattern is described as “calico” or “tortie and white.” TORTIE COLORS Tortoiseshell, or tortie, coats have patches of black (or chocolate or cinnamon) and red fur either closely mingled or in distinct patches. Dilute forms of the coats also appear: blue, lilac, or fawn with cream fur. Patches of red or cream fur always have some tabby markings, and if the other color patches are tabby, too, the cat is known as a patched tabby. Tortie cats are almost always female. MACKEREL CLASSIC TICKED SPOTTED PARTI-COLOR RAGDOLL PARTI-COLOR BRITISH SHORTHAIR BRITISH SHORTHAIR TORTIE ASIAN TORTIE SOLID-POINTED SIAMESE TURKISH VAN NONPEDIGREE SHORTHAIR WITH WHITE BIB AND MITTENS WHITE-SPOTTED MAINE COON
54 There are about 500 muscles attached to a cat’s flexible skeleton. They allow the cat to use various gaits (patterns of locomotion) and to make an amazing range of graceful movements, suitable for an athletic hunter of small rodents and birds. The cat’s muscles are adapted not only for the short bursts of speed necessary to chase down prey, or to escape from danger, but also for the barely imperceptible movements the cat makes before pouncing on prey. Muscle and movement Muscles allow a cat to move, eat, breathe, and pump blood around the body. Cats, and other vertebrates (animals with a backbone), have three types of muscle. Cardiac muscle is found only in the heart and works tirelessly to pump blood; smooth muscle occurs in the walls of many body structures, such as blood vessels and the digestive tract; and skeletal muscle is attached to the bones by tendons and allows a cat to move body parts, such as the limbs, tail, eyes, and ears, and maintains posture. Skeletal muscle is also called striated, or striped, muscle because of its appearance under a microscope. These muscles often work in antagonistic pairs across joints—one contracts while the other relaxes—allowing a body part, such as a section of a limb, to alternately bend and flex. TYPES OF MUSCLE FIBER Skeletal muscle tissue is made of bundles of long muscle cells called fibers. There are three types of fiber, depending on how quickly they work and tire. The most common type, “fast-twitch fatiguing” fibers contract and tire rapidly, and are used for short bursts of activity, such as sprinting and leaping. Much less common, “fast-twitch fatigue-resistant” fibers work similarly but tire slowly, and are more prevalent in the Striated muscles Skeletal muscle is controlled by the nervous system. This muscle moves bones or parts of the body, such as the eyes and tongue, or helps a cat maintain posture. It usually works in pairs or groups across movable joints. Claws out At rest, a cat’s claws are retracted, avoiding wear and tear and remaining sharp. Tautening the ligaments and tendons in the toes forces the claws out. FELINE BIOLOGY | MUSCLE AND MOVEMENT Sartorius raises knee or rotates thigh outward Jaw muscles are capable of exerting enormous pressure Deltoid pulls shoulder forward Triceps straightens elbow, drawing back lower leg Cats use the sharp, curved claws at the ends of their toes for fighting, defending themselves, gripping, climbing, and scratching to leave scent marks. Most of the time, they are hidden away in protective flesh sheaths. To expose, or bare, the claws, digital flexor muscles in the legs contract, tautening tendons and ligaments between the last two bones of the toes and pushing out the claws. RETRACTABLE CLAWS Digital extensor muscles extend toes and claws Pectorals draw back shoulder and forelimb Oblique abdominals hold in body organs Biceps femoris flexes, or bends, leg Gastrocnemius extends lower leg and points toes Tail muscles swish and twitch tail Gluteal muscles extend hip Facial muscles are thin, limiting range of expression Trapezius draws shoulder up Dorsals twist and curl torso
55 Lithe body The firm musculature and compact bone structure of the feline form are always on display in hairless breeds, such as the Sphynx (see pp. 168–69) and this Bambino (see pp. 154–55). muscles of endurance hunters such as dogs. After a burst of running, a cat has to stop and pant to cool down. “Slow-twitch” fibers contract and tire slowly and are used for precise, stealthy movements when stalking or remaining stock still before the pounce. GAITS Unlike humans, who walk on their feet, cats walk on their toes. This type of locomotion of a cat is called digitigrade (Latin for “toe walking”) and enables them to move quickly and quietly. The forward thrust for all of their gaits (walking, trotting, and running) comes from the powerful muscles in the back legs. When cats walk, the limbs move sequentially; right rear, right front, left rear, left front. The front legs swing inward, with the paws landing one after the other almost in a line under the cat’s body. The hind limbs swing inward, too, but not to the same extent. This gait enables a cat to walk along branches or narrow fence tops with confidence and ease. At such times, the tail is held aloft, helping the cat balance. If the pace quickens to a trot, limbs that are diagonally opposite, such as the left forelimb and right hind leg, move together. The floating forelimbs (see pp. 48–49) have extra maneuverability, helping to extend the cat’s stride. When running, the cat makes a series of bounds. The back legs push off together, with the airborne cat’s front legs touching down first, followed by the hind legs. When the cat stops, the front legs act as brakes. Cats are adapted for short bursts of speed. Some domestic cats can run as fast as 30mph (48kph). By comparison, the fastest human can manage 27.79mph (44.72kph). Cats are not endurance hunters. The muscles in the cat’s back legs are powerful, but they tire quickly. They prefer to stalk their prey and can remain motionless for long periods, waiting for the right moment to pounce. FLEXIBILITY A highly flexible body and musculature offer a range of other movements, too. The supple spine enables the cat to arch when stretching (or when trying to appear bigger, such as when threatened), or curl into a circle when the cat is sleeping. Flexibility is useful for grooming, too—the cat’s paws and tongue are able to reach almost all parts of the body. Strong hind leg muscles allow the cat to jump as high as 6½ft (2m) from a standing start, often twisting its body in midair to land safely. This movement is useful for catching birds as they try to make an airborne escape. When climbing trees, the cat uses outstretched forelegs and claws like crampons, while the hind legs provide the power, propelling the animal up the tree. Descending, however, is a rather clumsy affair, with the cat scrabbling down backward in order to allow the forward-curving claws to be able to maintain a grip on the tree bark. The cat will finish the descent by turning its head and dropping the last metre or so to the ground. Most cats do not like getting wet, but there are some cats that tolerate swimming, their stroke similar to doggy paddle. MUSCLE AND MOVEMENT Landing safely The righting reflex allows cats to twist instinctively their body around into a safe position for landing when falling from a height. A cat’s flexible body amazingly rights itself in midair, without anything to push on. If a cat loses its footing and falls from a tree, it has the innate ability to twist the right way up before it lands. Within one-tenth of a second, the vestibular apparatus of the inner ear, which monitors balance, senses disorientation. A reflex reaction rotates the head so that the cat is looking downward. The front legs and then the hindquarters twist round, too, and the cat arches its back. Soft paw pads and flexible joints act as shock absorbers as the cat lands. RIGHTING REFLEX As the cat falls from a branch, head turns to look downward Head turns followed by front legs Hindquarters rotate so cat is in correct orientation Cat prepares for landing by extending its legs
Aiming high Cats have a lot of muscle power packed into a small but extremely supple frame. Even when very young, they are able to coordinate their movements with impressive agility and grace.
58 The heart and lungs make sure that oxygen is delivered—via airways and blood—to every cell in the body. Oxygen, which makes up about 21 percent of the air, reacts with nutrient molecules, such as the sugar glucose, in body cells to release energy. This energy is then used to power biochemical activities in cells. As air travels to and from the lungs, it passes through the larynx, the source of a cat’s vocalizations, including its purr. Heart and lungs FELINE BIOLOGY | HEART AND LUNGS The most important blood group system in cats has three groups, or types: A, B, and AB. The percentage of cats in each group varies among breeds and geographies. Group A is by far the most common type. A few breeds, including the Siamese (see pp. 104–09), are exclusively type A. Type B is relatively low in many breeds, but in some, such as the Devon Rex (see pp. 178–79), it is 25–50 percent. Type AB is rare in all breeds. BLOOD TYPES heart to be pumped around the body to all its organs and tissues in the larger circuit. Arteries have muscular walls that expand and contract as bright-red oxygenated blood surges through them with each heartbeat. This creates a pulse that can be felt at various points of the cat’s body. Darker deoxygenated The airways and lungs comprise the respiratory system. Air inhaled through a cat’s nose is humidified in the nasal passages and drawn along the trachea (windpipe), which branches into two air passages called bronchi, one for each lung. Within the lungs, the bronchi divide into smaller tubes called bronchioles, which end in tiny air sacs called alveoli. Gas exchange occurs inside the alveoli. Oxygen diffuses across the thin walls of the millions of alveoli into tiny blood vessels called capillaries, where it is picked up by red blood cells. The waste gas carbon dioxide travels in the opposite direction, out of the blood and into the alveoli, to be exhaled. At rest, cats breathe in and out about 20–30 times a minute. During exercise, when the muscles need more oxygen, the rate increases. Muscles between the ribs and a sheet of muscle below the rib cage, called the diaphragm, power breathing. CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM The heart and the blood vessels form the cardiovascular system. The cat’s heart is a four-chambered pump, about the size of a walnut, made of special non-tiring cardiac muscle. It beats between 140 and 220 times each minute, depending on the level of The heart and lungs For bursts of activity, such as sprinting, a cat’s breathing rate increases to get more oxygen, via the lungs, into the bloodstream. At the same time, the heart beats faster to pump oxygenated blood to the cat’s muscles. activity, and its resting heartbeat of 140–180 beats per minute is about double that of a resting human. The heart pumps blood around the body in two separate circuits. The pulmonary circuit takes stale, or deoxygenated, blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen. This freshly oxygenated blood then returns to the Frontal sinuses are cavities in the skull Trachea, or windpipe Axillary artery supplies forelimb Lungs absorb oxygen and expel carbon dioxide Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood to lungs Pulmonary vein carries oxygen-rich blood to heart Liver processes nutrients Intestines absorb nutrients from food and water Iliac artery supplies hind limb Anterior vena cava carries used blood from head to heart Aorta is main artery, supplying body with oxygen-rich blood Caudal vena cava carries deoxygenated blood from body to heart Diaphragm aids breathing Spleen stores blood cells Kidneys cleanse the blood
59 HEART AND LUNGS Chambers of the heart Deoxygenated blood from the body enters the upper-right chamber, or atrium, passes into the lower-right chamber, or ventricle, and is then pumped to the lungs to pick up oxygen. Oxygen-rich blood from the lungs enters the left atrium, passes into the left ventricle, and is then pumped around the body via the aorta. Right atrium Aorta is body’s largest artery Pulmonary artery Pulmonary vein Left atrium has thinner walls than ventricle Atrioventricular valve controls blood flow Left ventricle contracts to push oxygenrich blood out through aorta Fatty deposit Thick heart muscle contracts powerfully Septum separates chambers Inside the lungs Inhaled oxygen travels deep into the lungs to the tiny air sacs called alveoli, from where it is absorbed into the blood. Carbon dioxide travels in the opposite direction. The total surface area of the alveoli in a cat is about 215sq ft (20sq m). Alveolus (air sac) Alveolar duct Pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood to the heart Arterial capillaries Pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood Bronchiole (air tube) Smooth muscle Anterior vena cava Right ventricle contracts, pushing deoxygenated blood out through pulmonary artery PURRING STROKING A CAT CAN MAKE IT PURR We associate the rhythmic chug of a cat’s purr with contentment—and in many cases it is a sign of a happy cat. However, cats may also purr when they’re anxious, giving birth, or injured. Kittens learn to purr at about one week old (before their eyes open), and biologists believe that it developed as a way for kittens to communicate to the mother that she needs to be still while they are feeding. The mother may join in, too, to reassure her young. Cats also produce an urgent, “solicitous” purr, which they use when wanting to be fed by their owners. This sound is a mixture of the low-pitched rumble of a regular purr and a higher-frequency meow. Analysis of the meow element shows that its frequency is blood returns to the heart in thin-walled veins, which contain valves to maintain blood flow in one direction only. A network of microscopic blood vessels called capillaries lies between the arteries and veins. Here, oxygen and other molecules, such as glucose, pass from the blood into surrounding cells and tissues. Wastes, such as carbon dioxide, pass in the opposite direction. The brain makes up only 0.9 percent of a cat’s weight, but it receives up to 20 percent of blood flow. Muscles at rest receive 40 percent of blood flow, but this amount can rapidly increase to up to 90 percent during short bursts of exercise. An averaged-sized cat of 11lb (5kg) has about 11fl oz (330ml) of blood in its body. By volume, blood is about 54 percent plasma, a watery liquid that carries food molecules such as glucose, salts, wastes, hormones, and other chemicals around the body. Biconcave, disk-shaped red blood cells, which carry oxygen picked up from the lungs, account for another 46 percent of volume. The remaining 1 percent contains white blood cells, which fight infection, and cell fragments called platelets, which help blood clot at sites of injury. VOCALIZATION PROCESS Purring was once thought to be the sound of turbulent blood flow in the vena cava, the large vein that carries blood into the heart. More recent research, however, suggests that it is produced in the larynx (voice box), which connects the back of the throat with the trachea. The vocal cords, two infoldings of membrane in the larynx, vibrate as exhaled air passes over them, to make vocalizations, such as meows and screeches. During purring, however, the muscles that control the vocal cords vibrate, causing the cords to bang into each other repeatedly. Air passing through the larynx as the cat breathes in and out produces bursts of noise, 25 times a second, known as purring. Other cat species, such as the bobcat, cougar, and cheetah, can purr, too. Big cats of the genus Panthera, such as lions and tigers, roar rather than purr. They can do this because of their enlarged larynx. Folds in their vocal cords vibrate to produce sound, while the hyoid bone lowers the pitch and increases the resonance of the roar. similar to that of the cry of a human baby, which may help explain our willingness to feed an insistent cat. Among older cats, purring may also communicate nonaggression, vulnerability, or a request from one cat grooming another for it to stay still. Venous capillaries Direction of blood flow
60 Strict carnivores, cats have a digestive system that has evolved to suit a diet of small animals such as mice. They have sharp teeth designed to kill and cut up prey, and relatively short intestines for digesting meat. The kidneys clean the blood, removing wastes and eliminating them from the body. Queens tend to give birth in spring and summer when food is likely to be plentiful for the kittens once they are weaned. Digestion and reproduction Cats have one of the narrowest diets of all carnivorous mammals. Their diet must include certain vitamins, fatty acids, and amino acids, as well as a chemical called taurine, which is found only in meat. Cats cannot make these nutrients, or taurine, themselves nor get them from other sources of food, such as plants, and they cannot survive without them. Unlike vegetable matter, meat is relatively easy to break down into nutrients in the intestines. Cats, therefore, have a relatively short, simple digestive tract compared to that of herbivores such as sheep and horses. DIGESTION The domestic cat’s digestive tract is a little longer than that of its wildcat ancestor. This suggests that the cat’s digestive system has been adapting to the increased plant matter in its diet (probably from scavenged scraps of human food containing both meat and cereal) since it first began to associate with humans several thousand years ago. Cats eat little and often. The transit of food— from eating to defecating—takes about 20 hours. The first stage of digestion is the physical breakup of food in the mouth by the teeth. The mouth produces saliva to lubricate the food, which, on being swallowed, passes down the esophagus into the stomach, where further physical digestion as well as some chemical breakdown by enzymes occurs. The strong acid in a cat’s stomach is powerful enough FELINE BIOLOGY | DIGESTION AND REPRODUCTION Thyroid and parathyroid glands Teeth kill prey and chop up food Esophagus contracts, pushing food into stomach Esophagus stretches easily as food passes Liver processes nutrients and makes bile Pancreas secretes digestive hormones and the hormone insulin Cardiac sphincter opens to allow food into stomach Pyloric sphincter releases food into duodenum Duodenum absorbs nutrients Salivary glands make saliva to lubricate food Stomach produces acids and enzymes to digest food Stomach muscles churn food Kidneys cleanse wastes from blood Ureters pass urine to bladder Large intestine absorbs water from solid waste Rectum stores waste (feces) before discharge from body Anal sphincter relaxes to allow discharge of feces Urethra Bladder holds urine Digestive system Cats have a comparatively simple digestive system adapted to a meaty diet. Physical breakdown of food occurs in the mouth and continues in the stomach, where chemicals also help break up food. Further chemical digestion occurs in the small intestine. Nutrients are absorbed across the intestinal walls.
61 Kittens have 26 milk teeth, which erupt before 2 weeks of age and begin to fall out at about 14 weeks. Cats have 30 permanent teeth. Small incisors at the front of the jaws are used for grasping prey, while the canines, or fangs, kill prey by severing the spinal cord. Cats cannot chew very well; instead, their back teeth chop up food into smaller pieces before it is swallowed. The carnassial teeth (the upper jaw’s back premolars and the lower jaw’s molars) are especially effective in slicing through food with a scissorlike action. When eating, the cat’s rough tongue—which is covered in little barbs—can rasp meat from the bones of prey animals. TEETH DIGESTION AND REPRODUCTION molecules. Water is absorbed in the colon, and waste matter is passed out through the anus as feces. ELIMINATION OF WASTES Besides solid feces, waste from the liver is processed by the kidneys. Their major role is to cleanse the blood, removing potentially harmful metabolic wastes, such as urea. The kidneys also control the composition and volume of fluids in a cat’s body. Waste substances leave the kidneys, dissolved in water as urine. The urine flows along narrow ureters—one from each kidney—to be stored in the bladder. This balloonlike to soften swallowed bones. (Any bones, hair, and feathers that cannot be digested are usually regurgitated later.) Partly digested food leaves the stomach through the pyloric sphincter and enters the first section of the small intestine, the duodenum, where most of the chemical digestion takes place. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gall bladder, and a mix of enzymes from the pancreas enter this small loop of intestine and digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Nutrients are then absorbed across the wall of the small intestine into the bloodstream. They travel to the liver to be processed into useful Female scent detected by vomeronasal organ LH carried in blood to testes Bladder stores urine Prostate gland produces semen to carry sperm Testes respond to LH by producing sperm Bulbourethral gland Penis has barbs Epididymis stores sperm Male reproductive system When a male cat’s vomeronasal organ detects the scent of a female in heat, luteinizing hormone (LH) is released from the pituitary gland in his brain. The hormone travels in the blood to the reproductive organs, priming him for mating. Female reproductive system Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) made by the pituitary gland induces the ovaries to make eggs and the hormone estrogen. Estrogen is released in urine and the scent attracts males. Sexual intercourse stimulates the release of eggs from the ovaries. organ holds up to 3½fl oz (100ml) of urine, which exits the bladder through the urethra. The urine of unneutered cats can be especially pungent and is used to mark territory and advertise sexual status. REPRODUCTION Cats usually become sexually mature between 6–9 months, although in some Oriental breeds it may be earlier. As daylight hours increase during spring, hormonal changes in an unaltered female, or queen, make her receptive to finding a mate. She is then said to be “in heat” or “in season.” She produces scents that attract intact males, or toms, and she may also call to them. Sexual intercourse is painful for the female. A tom’s penis has a band of 120–150 backward-pointing hooks that abrade the female’s vagina as he withdraws, causing her to yowl loudly and lash out. However, this does not seem to have a lasting effect because she mates many times while in heat, often with several toms. The pain also triggers the release of eggs from the ovaries about 25–35 hours after the first mating. The eggs travel along the two “horns” (see above) of the uterus. The period of heat then eases off. If no pregnancy occurs, the queen will go into heat again a couple of weeks later. If mating is successful, pregnancy lasts for about 63 days. The average litter size is 3–5 kittens and can be as many as 10. Nerve signals sent to brain Ovary Bladder Vagina FSH carried in blood to ovaries Uterus has two “horns” (see below) Cervix opens during mating Spermatic cords Lower incisors Upper canines Lower molars Lower premolars Lower canines Upper molars Upper premolars Upper incisors Keeping clean A cat’s teeth are naturally cleaned by the bones of its prey, which scrape the teeth as the cat eats. Unless owners regularly brush their cats’ teeth, they are vulnerable to decay.
62 PROTECTION AT BIRTH When kittens are born, their immune systems are not fully developed and they are at risk of infections. They do, however, receive help from their mother’s milk, specifically the first milk she produces after the kittens are born. This thick yellowy milk (colostrum) is made for only about 72 hours after birth and is rich in external antibodies that protect the kittens against infections to which the mother is already immune. This protection lasts for 8–10 weeks, by which time kittens are able to make their own antibodies. Recent research has shown that receiving colostrum is crucial in the first 18 hours of a kitten’s life. During that time, the antibodies cross the wall of the kitten’s intestine and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Thereafter, the kitten’s body loses the ability to absorb antibodies passed on from the mother cat. A CAT’S IMMUNE SYSTEM The immune system includes any part of a cat’s body that protects it against infection. The body’s surface—the skin and mucous membranes—acts as a physical barrier to disease-causing germs (pathogens). The strong acid in the cat’s stomach kills many of the germs that enter through the mouth or nose. Those that do manage to enter the body through a cut or tear face attack from the major component of the immune system: white blood cells, also known as leucocytes. Millions of white blood cells, made by bone marrow, are found in the bloodstream and in the lymphatic system. This system is a network of vessels throughout the body that collect and drain a watery fluid called lymph from body organs. Its vessels are dotted with small nodes packed with white blood cells. The nodes filter the lymph, and the white blood cells attack any trapped germs. The tonsils, thymus, spleen, and the lining of the small intestine are also part of the lymphatic system. There are several types of white blood cell, each with a different role. They identify and attack pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and parasites, as well as any harmful chemicals (toxins) they may produce. White blood cells include: ■ Neutrophils, which engulf and destroy bacteria and fungi at the site of the infection, such as a wound. ■ T-cells, or T-lymphocytes, which have a variety of roles, including the regulation of B-lymphocytes and attacking virus-infected and tumor cells. ■ B-lymphocytes, which produce proteins called antibodies that attach to and neutralize pathogens. ■ Eosinophils, which target parasites and are also involved in allergic responses. ■ Macrophages, which engulf and digest the pathogens marked out by other white blood cells. ALLERGIES, AUTOIMMUNITY, AND IMMUNODEFICIENCY Cats can suffer from allergies, producing a range of symptoms, including itchy skin (and redness if the cat has been persistently scratching itself), sneezing, asthmatic wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance, usually harmless, leading to the release of an inflammatory chemical such as histamine in the body. Common triggers include: fleabites; food—usually proteins in meats such as beef, pork, or chicken; airborne FELINE BIOLOGY | THE IMMUNE SYSTEM Cats are at risk of infection from bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. To keep healthy they have a powerful immune system with protective white blood cells that recognize “foreign” invaders, quickly destroying them before they multiply. Sometimes the immune system reacts inappropriately, causing allergies or autoimmune disorders. The immune system weakens as a cat ages. The immune system Exposure to infection Outdoor cats are at greater risk of infection than indoor cats because they can pick up parasites through contact with other outdoor cats. They are also at risk of swallowing poisons, attacks from other animals such as dogs, and traffic accidents. Cats are easily stressed. A change at home is often the cause, such as the arrival of a new pet or baby, or even the rearrangement of furniture. Stress causes the release of hormones such as epinephrine (adrenalin) and cortisol (see p. 43). In the short term, these hormones increase awareness and energy but if their release is prolonged, they dampen the immune system, impairing a cat’s ability to protect itself against infections and cancer and to recover speedily after illness. Chemicals called endorphins are released by the brain when a cat is highly excited, such as during a fight with another cat or animal. In such cases, endorphins have a protective role because they are natural painkillers, lessening the discomfort of any teeth and claw wounds inflicted. STRESS
63 A cat’s immune system The immune system is made up of a defensive network of cells, tissues, and organs spread throughout the body. White blood cells, found in the lymphatic system and bloodstream, have the greatest role in fighting infection. Immunization A vet will advise which vaccinations are appropriate for the region and the cat’s lifestyle (for example, if it is an indoor or outdoor cat). Initial vaccinations should begin when cats are kittens, with annual boosters for the rest of their lives. THE IMMUNE SYSTEM particles such as pollen; and contact with a substance such as wool or detergent. The surefire way to treat an allergy is to remove the trigger, but it may be difficult to find the exact cause. A vet may prescribe antihistamines, which relieve itchy skin. Pest control is necessary if fleabites are the cause. Autoimmune disorders are caused by an overactive immune system, which attacks the body’s own tissues. Although rare in cats, they include a group of skin diseases known as pemphigus complex and the multisystem disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The immune system may also be underactive or weakened with age. Certain feline infections attack cells of Lymph nodes filter lymph Lymphatic system is a network of vessels and nodes Tonsils defend against inhaled or ingested germs Spleen contains white blood cells Bone marrow produces white blood cells Intestinal walls contain lymphatic tissue Skin and coat act as a barrier to germs the immune system, making the cat vulnerable to other infections and cancer. Such pathogens include the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), which attacks certain T-cells, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV), which may cause cancer of white blood cells. VACCINATIONS Immunization can help protect the cat against some infectious diseases. Vaccinations trigger the production of antibodies against certain microorganisms, making a cat immune to many diseases without causing the symptoms of the disease. For example, cats can be vaccinated against feline infectious enteritis, feline herpes virus, and feline calcivirus.
64 Like other domesticated animals, there are different breeds of cat. Well-known breeds include the Siamese, Abyssinian, Manx, Persian, and Maine Coon. Cats began to be categorized into breeds in the 19th century with the advent of cat shows. Today, there are over 100 cat breeds and varieties recognized by one or more of the official cat registries. Most pet cats, however, do not belong to any breed; they are random-bred, or just ordinary house cats of mixed breed. Understanding breeds WHAT IS A BREED? A breed is a type of domestic animal that is bred in a controlled way to produce offspring with consistent features. This holds true for most breeds of cat, but sometimes outcrossing (mating with another breed) is allowed for health reasons or to introduce or refine a feature such as the coat. Cat breeds have been developed relatively recently. As cat fancy took off in the 19th century, registries were established to keep records of show cats and their genealogies. These registries define the characteristics, or “breed standards,” of each breed. Major ones include the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA), the Fédération Internationale Féline (FiFe), and the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF). CHARACTERISTICS Cat breeds are defined by their appearance: their coat—its color, pattern, and length; head and body shape; and eye color. Unusual features, such as absence of tail, short legs, and folded ears, also define certain breeds. Coat colors and patterns are particularly varied (see pp. 50–53), with some breeds, such as the Chartreux (see p. 115), having just one color, and others, such as the British Shorthair (see pp. 118–19), being permitted many coat colors and patterns. HOW BREEDS DEVELOP Some breeds, such as the British Shorthair, developed naturally from isolated groups of cats, their restricted gene pool resulting in a typical appearance. Other natural breeds arose because they had a characteristic that helped them survive, such as the long coat of the Maine Coon (see pp. 214–15), which is indispensable for cold, northern winters. In small, isolated populations, a trait caused by a genetic mutation—which would probably only rarely appear in a larger population— can become common over generations of inbreeding. This genetic influence is called the “founder effect” and accounts for the taillessness of the Manx (see pp. 164–65), for example. Breeders exploit the founder effect to create new breeds from cats with novel characteristics caused by a mutation. Such breeds include the Scottish Fold (see pp. 156–57), Munchkin (see pp. 150–51), and Sphynx (see pp. 168–69). THE ROLE OF GENETICS Breeders of pedigree cats use their understanding of genetics to pinpoint characteristics that are caused by dominant FELINE BIOLOGY | UNDERSTANDING BREEDS ■ The diagram shows the relationship between the domestic cat and other members of the cat family, particularly the small cats that have been crossed with the domestic cat to produce new breeds such as the Bengal and Chausie. The closer a wild species is to the domestic cat on this diagram, the more closely they are related. ■ A domestic cat's genetic material, or DNA, is carried on 38 chromosomes (19 pairs), as it is in several of the wild felids. It is therefore possible to cross domestic cats with small wildcats despite differences in gestation periods between the species. Often, the fertility of early generations, particularly first crosses (F1 generation), is considerably reduced, but by backcrossing this can be improved. FELIDAE DOMESTIC CAT HYBRIDS An experimental breed known as the Caracat is the product of breeding caracals with domestic cats. SERVAL CARACAL OCELOT & RELATIVES BOBCAT Crossing servals with domestic cats produced the Savannah breed.
65 UNDERSTANDING BREEDS or recessive genes. They can then predict how the offspring of different parents will look. Dominant genes require just one copy from either parent to produce an effect. For example, the gene that produces a tabby coat is dominant over the gene causing a non-tabby coat. Recessive genes need two copies—one from each parent—to have an effect. Long hair is another recessive characteristic. OUTCROSSING Cat registries stipulate in their breed standards what outcrosses, if any, are permissible for each breed. Crossbred kittens are registered according to their appearance. Outcrossing is also used DOMINANT AND RECESSIVE TRAITS Cats with a dark coat have at least one copy of the dominant dense pigment gene known as D. This gene produces hair that is packed with pigment. The recessive form of this gene, called d, reduces the level of pigment in the hair, diluting the color of the cat’s fur when two copies are present. If two black-coated cats, both with two copies of the black coat gene (B), have one copy of the dense (D) gene and one copy of the dilute (d) pigment gene, there is a one-in-four chance that their kittens will have blue (diluted black) fur. to develop new breeds, such as longhaired versions of shorthaired breeds. Outcrossing is also necessary for the health of certain breeds; for example, Scottish Folds are usually a cross between a Fold and a British or American Shorthair with normal ears. This pairing keeps kittens from D d BB DD BB Dd BB DD BB dd MOTHER (BB Dd) FATHER (BB Dd) d D receiving two copies of the fold mutation, because such kittens suffer from a debilitating disease affecting bone development. HYBRIDS AND FUTURE BREEDS In recent decades, domestic cats have been crossed with other species of small wildcats to create new breeds, usually with striking “exotic” coats. These hybrids include the Bengal (see pp. 142–43), Chausie (see p. 149), and the Savannah (see pp. 146–47). New breeds—arising purely from other domestic cats—are always being developed, but it can take years for them to be accepted by cat registries. Pipeline breeds include the Arctic Curl—a shaggy-haired cross between the Selkirk Rex (see pp. 174–75 and p. 248) and the Angora (see p. 229)—and the Benedictine, a longhaired Chartreux with DNA from the Persian (see pp. 186–205). Handsome hybrid A 21st-century designer cat, the Savannah was developed from a cross between a Siamese (see pp. 104–09) and a serval, and has retained the huge ears, long legs, and spotted coat of the serval. The Bengal breed is the result of crossbreeding between leopard cats and domestic cats. Crossbreeding domestic cats with jungle cats produced the Chausie breed. The African wildcat is the closest relative of the domestic cat. LYNX LEOPARD CAT JUNGLE CAT AFRICAN WILDCAT DOMESTIC CAT
66 The needs of cats vary depending on the breed. For example, slender breeds, such as the Siamese, are usually very active and love being part of a family; stockier breeds, such as the British Shorthair, tend to be more laid-back and prefer a quieter life. One way to find a pedigree is to contact a reputable breeder. Pedigrees can sometimes be found in rescue shelters, too, but most cats in such places will be non-pedigree. Choosing the right cat A particular breed may be desirable purely for its appearance: for example, the rich brown coat of the Havana (see p. 102) or the thick blue-gray fur of the Chartreux (see p. 115) are captivating to many. Some cat lovers are drawn to the ancient mystique of the Egyptian Mau (see p. 130) or the eye-catching wild look of the Bengal (see pp. 142–43). Size, temperament, and coat length are also important factors when choosing a breed. Alternatively, an owner may be happy with a non-pedigree cat, which will be easier to find (more than 95 percent of cats fall into this category) and significantly cheaper to buy. FELINE BIOLOGY | CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAT Highlander (see p. 158), which can reach an adult weight of 25lb (11kg). Other large breeds include the Maine Coon (see pp. 214–15), Turkish Van (see pp. 226–27), and Savannah (see pp. 146–47). These large cats need plenty of space and are not suitable as exclusively indoor pets. ACTIVE OR DOCILE Different breeds have different temperaments. Sleek-bodied Oriental cats, such as the Siamese (see pp. 104–09), Tonkinese (see p. 90), Burmese (see pp. 87–88), Sphynx (see pp. 168–69), Bombay, and Abyssinian (see pp. 132–33), are more active, playful, and inquisitive than othercat breeds. These SIZE AND BUILD Unlike dogs, cat breeds do not vary greatly in size, but some variety among the breeds does exist. If the cat is to remain indoors in a flat or small home, try one of the smaller breeds. The smallest breeds are the Singapura (see p. 86), Lambkin Dwarf (see p. 153), and Bambino (see pp. 154–55), all of which have the short stature of the Munchkin (see pp. 150–51). These cats have an adult weight of as little as 5lb (2kg). Other small breeds tend to have a slender Oriental build and include the Bombay (see pp. 84–85), Havana, and Cornish Rex (see pp. 176–77). At the other end of the scale, the heavyweight of breeds is the Making new friends If kittens have been socialized from a young age, they will be friendly and playful, rather than aggressive and fearful, when meeting new people or other pets.
67 after, as well its “spin-off” breeds. These include the curled ear Kinkalow (see p. 152), the curly coated Skookum (see p. 235) and Lambkin Dwarf, the hairless Bambino, and longhaired Napoleon (see p. 236). Cats with a beautiful coat that resemble the pelt of small wild cats (see pp. 8–9) are also increasingly popular. Some of these breeds, such as the California Spangled (see p. 140), Egyptian Mau, and Sokoke (see p. 139), arise purely from domestic cats; others, including the Bengal, Savannah, and Chausie (see p. 149), were developed from hybrids of the domestic cat and other feline species. Hybrids are generally active and may bully other cats. GETTING A CAT Whatever breed you choose, the first step is to find a reputable breeder. To find a pedigree kitten, begin by contacting a cat club or a breed registry, or visit a cat show where the people showing their cats may suggest a Special care Many of the cats in rescue centers are elderly, having survived the death of their owner, for example. If you choose an elderly or disabled cat, the center may help pay for the pet’s ongoing health care. Rescue me It is worth checking rescue centers when buying a pedigree cat, especially when looking for an adult pet. Pedigrees needing a new home sometimes find their way into these centers, and they are usually considerably cheaper to buy than from a breeder. Rare breeds Some cats are popular in the region where the breed developed, but are not well-known elsewhere in the world, such as the Kurilian Bobtail (see pp. 242–43), which is popular in Japan and Russia, but rare in other countries. CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAT breeds are generally thought to be more intelligent and more likely to learn tricks or to be trained to walk on a harness and leash. Many of these breeds are noisy, or “talkative,” too. More laid-back, quieter breeds are generally those with a thickset, or stocky, body form, such as the British Shorthair (see pp. 118–28), Persian (see pp. 186–205), and Norwegian Forest Cat (see pp. 222–23). The Ragdoll (see p. 216) and Ragamuffin (see p. 217) are particularly docile. These are wonderful to pet, but should be treated with care, since they may not let you know when they are in discomfort. LONGHAIR OR SHORTHAIR? Cat breeds are broadly divided into shorthairs and longhairs. Shorthairs, which include the Siamese, Russian Blue (see pp. 116–17), and the Bengal, need grooming just once or twice a week. Longhairs, especially the doll-faced Persian with its long, silky fur, are a greater commitment, requiring daily grooming to keep their coat free of mats and tangles, which become a health risk if left unattended. Other well-known longhairs include the Birman (see pp. 212–13), Ragdoll, and Siberian (see pp. 230–31). DESIGNER CATS Novelty, or designer, breeds are becoming increasingly fashionable, but are expensive— kittens may cost up to and over $1,500. These breeds include: cats with unusual ears, such as the Scottish Fold (see pp. 156–57) and American Curl (see pp. 238–39); hairless breeds, such as the Sphynx and Peterbald (see p. 171), which need to live in a centrally heated home in temperate or cold regions; and cats with kinky or curled fur, such as the American Wirehair (see p. 181), LaPerm (see pp. 250–51), and various Rexes. The short-legged Munchkin is much sought breeder or be breeders themselves. The local vet may also be able to recommend breeders in your area. The breeder will be able to answer questions about your chosen breed and its needs, and you should be able to meet and observe the kitten and its mother before buying it. A good breeder will question a prospective owner about provision and care of the kitten and, if all goes well, arrange for the new owner to be able to collect a socialized, wormed, and vaccinated kitten when it is 12 weeks old. Many excellent pets may be found in rescue centers or cat shelters, and it is worth looking at these places, too, especially when searching for an older cat with an established personality. These mostly nonprofit organizations usually charge an adoption fee, which helps cover food and veterinary costs for the cats that are housed there. Pedigree cats, especially the more popular breeds, sometimes turn up in rescue centers, but these places are ideal for those not particularly interested in owning a pedigree cat; most of the cats housed are random-bred (see pp. 182–83 and pp. 252–53), but all are in need of a loving home.
CATALOG OF BREEDS CHAPTER 4
Natural hunter The Abyssinian’s sleek coat is ideally suited for a hunter in warmer climates. The dense fur offers enough insulation and protection, but allows the cat to move unhampred through tall grass.
71 Most cats have short hair, whether they are large or small, wild or domestic. This is an evolutionary development that makes sense for a natural predator relying on stealth and the occasional burst of speed. A hunting cat is more efficient in a short coat because it can glide unhampered through dense terrain and move freely for a lightning pounce in a tight corner. SHORTHAIRS DEVELOPING THE SHORTHAIR The first cats to be domesticated, possibly over 4,000 years ago, had short hair, and their sleek-coated look has been popular ever since. In a short coat, colors and patterns are clearly defined and the feline form appears to full advantage. Dozens of shorthaired breeds have been developed, but there are three main groups: British, American, and Oriental Shorthairs. The first two are essentially ordinary domestic cats refined by decades of breeding programs. They are sturdy, round-headed cats, with short, dense, double-layered coats. The strikingly different Oriental group has little to do with the East, being created in Europe through crosses with the Siamese. They have short, close-lying, fine coats with no woolly undercoat. Other much-loved shorthaired cats include: the Burmese; the plush-furred Russian Blue, which has a very short undercoat that lifts the top guard hairs away from the body; and the Exotic Shorthair, which combines unmistakably Persian looks with a shorter, more manageable coat. Short hair is taken to extremes in several hairless breeds, including the Sphynx and the Peterbald. These cats are usually not totally hairless—most have a fine covering of body hair with the feel of suede. Another variety of short hair is seen in rexed cats, which have wavy or crimped coats. Among the best known of these are the Devon Rex and the Cornish Rex. EASY MAINTENANCE A great advantage for owners of shorthaired breeds is that the coat requires little grooming to keep it in good condition, while parasites and injuries are easy to see and treat. However, keeping a shorthaired cat does not guarantee hair-free carpets and sofas. Some breeds shed heavily, especially during seasonal loss of thick undercoats, and even single-coated varieties such as the Orientals always lose a certain amount of hair. SHORTHAIRS
Familiar face The Exotic Shorthair’s face clearly shows the large eyes, flat face, and full cheeks that it has inherited from the Persian breed. It also has a thick coat that is unique among shorthairs.
73 Soft, dense, shaded golden coat Large, rounded paws Stocky, deepchested body is typically Persian Round head with broad skull Short, thickly furred tail Short, sturdy, heavily boned legs Flat face with full cheeks Thick undercoat Small ears, rounded at tips Silver tortie classic tabby coat Huge, round eyes set wide apart Short, snub nose with distinct break between eyes With its rounded, plush-furred body, snub nose, and big eyes, the Exotic Shorthair lives up to its popular nickname of the “teddy bear cat,” and most breeders do not fail to make the comparison in their advertisements. The extra-soft, thick double coat is quite unlike that found in any other shorthaired breed. It has an underlayer of long downy hairs, inherited from the Exotic’s Persian forebears, that lifts the topcoat away from the body. CUDDLY TEDDY The first Exotics were bred in the US in the 1960s, and by the 1980s there was a popular British version as well. These cats were created through breeding programs that crossed the Persian with the American Shorthair (see p. 113) to improve the coat of the latter. Later, crosses were also done with the Burmese (see pp. 87–88), Abyssinian (see pp. 132–33), and British Shorthair (see pp. 118– 27). Early breeders aimed to create a shorthaired cat with a silvery coat and green eyes, like a Persian; later, the goal was to breed cats with a Persian-type face and body but short hair. Exotics combine the Persian’s round-faced look and quiet temperament with a thick, soft, but short coat that requires less grooming than its longhaired counterpart; for this reason they are sometimes called “the lazy man’s Persian.” These gentle cats have the quiet, docile nature of their Persian ancestors. They are happy as indoor pets and are always pleased to have someone around to play with or offer a lap. They have soft voices and rarely make a noise, but they love attention, and many will sit in front of people and gaze up beseechingly for a hug. This affectionate breed, which has an endearing nature, is a low-maintenance version of the longhaired Persian cat. Exotic Shorthair ORIGIN US, 1960s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 8–15lb (3.5–7kg) GROOMING 2–3 times a week COLORS AND PATTERNS Almost all colors and patterns. KITTEN
74 The “white jewel,” as the name translates, is native to Thailand. Cats apparently of this type are recorded in Thai poetry as early as the 14th century, and were described as pure white, having “eyes of clear mercury.” Khao Manees were favorites of the Thai royalty (see panel, right) and not seen outside their native country until the 1990s, when a US breeder imported a pair. Now they are attracting attention elsewhere, especially in the UK and the US. In 2013, The International Cat Association (TICA) granted the Khao Manee “Advanced New Breed” status. This aristocratic cat is noted for its variety of eye colors: it may have both eyes the same color, have odd-colored eyes, have eyes the same color but of varying shades, or even have eyes that are each bicolored. The coat is all white, although some kittens are born with a dark spot on the head. Khao Manees are bold, friendly, mischievous, and also sometimes loudvoiced. These extroverts are said to enjoy the company of humans, whether playing with their family or meeting visitors to the home. An extroverted and intelligent breed, this cat is highly curious and will eagerly explore its surroundings. CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS Khao Manee ORIGIN Thailand, 14th century BREED REGISTRIES GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 6–12lb (2.5–5.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS White only. KITTEN Prominent nose with pink leather Shiny white coat has a slightly loose texture Chiseled face with high cheekbones Muscular, well proportioned body Sparse hair on ears Tail is same length as body and tapers to tip Wide, wedgeshaped head
75 SHORTHAIRS ROYAL FAVORITE For most of their history, Khao Manee cats were considered so special that they could be owned only by royalty. In Siam (now Thailand), one of the country’s greatest rulers, King Chulalongkorn, known as Rama V (1868–1910), gave his son permission to start developing the breed. Many generations of these cats were kept guarded within the royal palace, and it is said that a Khao Manee was ceremonially carried in a coronation procession in 1926. Paw pads are pink Pink skin around eyes Broad, level back Odd-colored eyes
76 Few cat breeds can truly be described as being of ancient origin, but the Korat from Thailand is one of them. It appears in a book titled The Cat Book Poems, which dates back to the Ayudhya period (1350–1767), in what was then Siam. Long prized in its native country as a symbol of good fortune, the Korat was virtually unknown in the West until the mid-20th century, when a breeding pair was sent to the US. This graceful, silvery blue cat makes a very special pet. Usually highly active, the Korat has its peaceful moments, too, and is gentle and affectionate with its owners. With heightened senses, the breed is easily startled by loud noises or abrupt handling. This enchanting cat has a long and proud history and makes a good family pet, but it can be strong-willed and assertive. Korat ORIGIN Thailand, c.12th–16th century BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 6–10lb (2.5–4.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Blue only. Close-lying, blue coat with no undercoat Nose leather is heart shaped Lithe, muscular body Very large, round, green eyes Large ears flare at base Silver-tipped coat hairs CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS Distinctive heart-shaped head THE FOUNDATION Oval paws OF THIS BREED IN THE US WAS A PAIR FROM THAILAND NAMED NARA AND DARRA.
77 Cats fitting the description of the Li Hua, or Dragon Li, as it is also called, appear to have been common in China for centuries. In the wider world, however, this cat is a newcomer, recognized as an experimental breed only since 2003, although it is beginning to attract international interest. The Chinese Li Hua is a large cat with a muscular build and a beautifully marked tabby coat. Although not particularly demonstrative, it makes a friendly and faithful pet. This active cat, which has a reputation as a clever hunter, needs space to exercise and is not suited to a confined life in an apartment. One of the earliest known breed of domestic cat, this perky cat needs an active owner and sufficient space to roam. Chinese Li Hua ORIGIN China, 2000s BREED REGISTRIES CFA WEIGHT RANGE 9–11lb (4–5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Brown mackerel tabby only. Lighter hairs on belly Ticked hairs form mackerel pattern Tail has ring marks and black tip Long, straight nose Lower jaw slightly shorter than upper Bright yellow eyes Unticked beige hairs on chin and chest Sturdy, rectangular body Black spot at corner of mouth Straight, muscular legs IN CHINA, ONE OF THESE CATS WAS TAUGHT TO FETCH THE MORNING PAPER.
78 also occurs. Although still uncommon, this charming and intelligent breed is becoming increasingly popular. It possesses something of the zany character of the Burmese, modified by the quieter nature of the Chinchilla. The Burmilla enjoys games but will readily settle on a lap for a peaceful snooze. CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS An enchanting cat with delightful looks and temperament, this breed gets along well with children and other pets. Asian—Burmilla ORIGIN UK, 1980s BREED REGISTRIES FIFe, GCCF WEIGHT RANGE 9–15lb (4–7kg) GROOMING 2–3 times a week COLORS AND PATTERNS Many shaded colors, including lilac, black, brown, blue, and tortie, with silver or golden ground color. Graceful, elegantly proportioned body Slender but strong legs Medium-to-long, slightly tapered tail Slight dip in nose Vestigial tabby markings Face and legs may have slight shading Broad-based ears, slightly rounded at tips Silky textured, close-lying coat Large, expressive green eyes Lilac shaded coat When the accidental mating of a lilac Burmese (see p. 87) with a Persian Chinchilla (see p. 190) in 1981 produced a litter of kittens with exceptionally beautiful coats, their owner was encouraged to experiment with further breeding. The result was the Burmilla, a cat of elegant Asian proportions, with large, appealing eyes and a delicately shaded or tipped coat; a longhaired version Lilac shaded silver coat Silvery white ground color with chocolate tipping
79 Originally known as the Burmoire, this graceful cat is a cross between the Burmilla (see opposite) and the Burmese (see p. 87). The Asian Smoke has one of the most attractive coats of all the Asian breeds: a deep, often solid color on top, the fur ripples apart when the cat moves or is stroked to reveal glimpses of a gleaming, silvery undercoat. An athletic, playful cat with an outgoing personality, the Asian Smoke is highly curious and loves to investigate everything. Asian Smokes are happy kept as indoor cats as long as they have plenty of human companionship, amusement, and affection. This inquisitive, playful, and intelligent breed is responsive to attention, and it may be friendly with strangers. Asian—Smoke ORIGIN UK, 1980s BREED REGISTRIES GCCF WEIGHT RANGE 9–15lb (4–7kg) GROOMING 2–3 times a week COLORS AND PATTERNS Any color topcoat, including tortie, with a silvery undercoat. Silvery rings around eyes Wide jaw tapers to a blunt muzzle Hind legs longer than forelegs Slender, muscled body Medium-to-large ears, rounded at tips Brown smoke with silvery white undercoat Neat, oval paws Strong, straight back Large eyes slant toward nose Tail tapers to tip THIS BREED OF THE ASIAN HAS THE INHIBITOR GENE, WHICH RESTRICTS THE COLOR IN THE HAIR SHAFT. Chocolate smoke coat Black smoke coat
Happy accident The unintended mating that created the Asian Burmilla resulted in a cat that is extroverted but easygoing, exotic but not extreme, and equally happy to have boisterous fun or quiet quality time.
82 The result of experiments to create what is essentially a Burmese cat (see pp. 87–88) with different coat colors, this British breed includes an all-black version known as the Bombay. The latter is easily confused with an American-bred black cat also called Bombay (see pp. 84–85), which has a different breed history. The Asian Solid may be less inclined to create an uproar in the household than its Burmese relation, but it can nevertheless make its presence known with an insistent voice when it wants attention, which is most of the time. This friendly, affectionate cat likes to follow its owner around with doglike devotion. Alert and active, this loving cat will appeal to people looking for a loyal and devoted companion. Asian—Solid and Tortie ORIGIN UK, 1980s BREED REGISTRIES GCCF WEIGHT RANGE 9–15lb (4–7kg) GROOMING 2–3 times a week COLORS AND PATTERNS All solid colors and various torties. Obvious nose break Neat, oval paws CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS Medium to large ears with rounded tips Pink nose leather Elegant, firmly muscled body Medium-long tail carried gracefully Short, fine, close-lying red coat THE SOLID-COLORED ASIAN BREED HAS NO TABBY MARKINGS. Golden eyes set wide apart Hind legs slightly longer than forelegs Straight back from shoulders to rump KITTEN Cream sepia Burmese variant
83 This member of the Asian group of cats comes in four different tabby patterns: classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked. The variety of stripes, swirls, rings, and spots occur in a wide range of beautiful colors. The most commonly seen pattern is the ticked tabby, in which each individual hair has contrasting bands of color. Like all its relations, the Asian Tabby has the graceful, muscular lines and extrovert personality of the Burmese cats (see pp. 87–88) used in its development, blended with the quieter nature of the Persian Chinchilla (see p. 190). This breed makes a lovely family pet and is growing in popularity. This charming cat has a friendly disposition, making it a good choice for a family home, despite its inquisitive nature. Asian—Tabby ORIGIN UK, 1980s BREED REGISTRIES GCCF WEIGHT RANGE 9–15lb (4–7kg) GROOMING 2–3 times a week COLORS AND PATTERNS Spotted, classic, mackerel, or ticked tabby patterns, in various colors. Straight-backed, muscular body Blunt, wedgeshaped head “M” marking on forehead Medium to large ears set well apart Amber eyes set at a slant Prominent cheekbones Short, thick, glossy, brown mackerel tabby coat Delicate, oval paws Rounded chest KITTEN
84 Achieving perfection took Nikki Horner, original American breeder of the Bombay, through many attempts and failures. The deep copper eye color that she sought to set off the gleaming black fur proved particularly elusive. Even when Horner’s dream cat had finally been created, it was many years before the Bombay was given official recognition and the breed was permitted to compete in official show classes. PERFECTLY BLACK Created specifically for its appearance, the Bombay is a cross between a sable American Burmese (see p. 88) and a black American Shorthair (see p. 113). Sleek and glossy, this breed comes only in black, with large, gold or copper-colored eyes. The Bombay may look like a panther, but it is a true homebody and few cats are more loving and sociable. Bombays are intelligent and easygoing; they want to be with their owners all the time and are likely to mope if left alone too long. Having inherited the inquisitive and playful nature of the Burmese, these cats are no couch potatoes. Bombays enjoy games and are ready to be entertained—or to entertain their owners. They get along well with children and other pets. This pint-sized “black panther” has glossy fur and striking copper eyes; it is not as vocal as other Asian cats. Bombay ORIGIN US, 1950s BREED REGISTRIES TICA, CFA WEIGHT RANGE 6–11lb (2.5–5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Black only. CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS Wide-set eyes are copper color Head with softly rounded contours Sturdy, muscular body Nose has moderate stop Coal-black coat has deep sheen Broad, rounded muzzle Round-tipped ears tilt forward Tip of nose slightly rounded Full face Rounded feet KITTEN
Not shy The lithe and gleaming Bombay is a cat that feels confident in company. This breed is prepared to make overtures to anyone who is likely to provide entertainment or a lap to sit on.
86 CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS The distinctive ticked coat of this little cat caught the eye of an American scientist, Hal Meadow, while he was working in Singapore in the 1970s. Meadow and his wife started a breeding program for the Singapura, which they carried out both in Singapore and the US. By the 1990s, British breeders were also taking an interest in this cat. Singapuras are now known worldwide, although they are still very rare. Small in size but big in personality, these cats are prying and mischievous, happiest when exploring the world at a high level from a shelf or an owner’s shoulder. This friendly cat loves to be the center of attention and will always be there with you to welcome your guests. Singapura ORIGIN Singapore, 1970s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 4–9lb (2–4kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Sepia agouti: seal brown ticking on ivory ground color. Dark facial markings on cheekbones Firm, muscular body Darker barring on inner forelegs and hind legs Large, deeply cupped ears Medium-long, slender tail has dark seal-brown tip Each hair of its fine, silky coat has alternate light and dark banding Enormous almondshaped eyes, set wide apart Sepia agouti coat paler on chin, chest, and underbelly Long, strongly muscled legs KITTEN
87 This breed was first developed in the US in the 1930s, using a foundation cat introduced from Southeast Asia. In the late 1940s, several Burmese cats were sent from the US to the UK, where the breed acquired a different look. The European Burmese is slightly longer in the head and body than its American counterpart, and it comes in a greater variety of colors. This sweet-natured cat has plenty of affection to offer and needs to be a full member of a loving family. A Burmese is not well suited to a home where it will be left to its own devices for long periods. Confident and inquisitive, this cat thrives on companionship and will be happy to participate in everything you do. European Burmese ORIGIN Burma (Myanmar), 1930s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 8–14lb (3.5–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Self and tortie colors include blue, brown, cream, lilac, and red. Always in sepia pattern. Yellow eyes, set well apart and slanting toward nose Elegant, muscular body Nose with noticeable stop Head slightly rounded at top and tapers to blunt wedge Wide cheekbones Slender legs with small, oval paws Lilac coat Back level from shoulders to rump Strong jaw and chin KITTEN THE FIRST BLUE BURMESE IN THE WORLD WAS BORN IN ENGLAND IN 1955. Very fine, satiny chocolate coat
88 There are several conflicting accounts of how the Burmese cat came to the West. All that is known for certain is that a Southeast Asian cat of this type, belonging to a Dr. Thompson, appeared in the US in the 1930s and was used to found a new breed. The first recognized American Burmese cats were all a rich brown in color. Later, further colors were accepted, although not as many as in the European version of this breed, which also has a more Oriental appearance. The Burmese is a lovely family pet that can never have enough company and attention. Always ready to give and receive affection, these cats will seek out warm laps and gentle petting and stroking. American Burmese ORIGIN Possibly Burma (Myanmar), 1930s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 8–14lb (3.5–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS All solid and tortie colors in sepia pattern. Richly colored, close-lying lilac coat Short, rounded muzzle Sturdy legs with round paws Slightly tapered tail Strong, Full, round face compact body Underparts reveal lighter sepia patterning Wide-set, round, golden eyes Visible break on nose CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS
89 In the 1980s, two breeders in New Zealand discovered independently that accidental matings between Burmese cats (see pp. 87–88) and domestic cats produced promising kittens. From these litters, they both went on to develop what is now known as the Mandalay, which has the same breed standard as the Burmese but a greater variety of coat colors. Sleek, glossy, and golden-eyed, this lovely cat is best known in its native country. The Mandalay is very alert and active, and its lithe frame is packed with muscle. It is warmly affectionate toward its own family but inclined to be cautious with strangers. This glossy-coated beauty is playful and fearless and may be seen attempting feats beyond its capabilities. Mandalay ORIGIN New Zealand, 1980s BREED REGISTRIES FIFe WEIGHT RANGE 8–14lb (3.5–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Many solid colors and patterns, including tabby and tortie. Neat, oval paws Short, black, satiny coat Wide jaw and firm chin Back level from shoulders to rump Large amber eyes slant toward nose Strong, round chest Top of head is slightly rounded Tail tapers very slightly to rounded tip THE MANDALAY IS A HIGHLY INTELLIGENT CAT KNOWN FOR ITS STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE.
90 This hybrid cat, created by crossing the Burmese with the Siamese, blends the coloring of both breeds but has a more compact body than many cats of Asian ancestry. It has achieved considerable popularity both in the US, where it was created, and in the UK. The Tonkinese has an independent spirit and would rule the household if it could, but it also has a loving nature and is gratifyingly eager to climb on laps. Playing games, socializing with other pets, and welcoming strangers to the home are all things that the Tonkinese loves to do. A chic and sleek but strongly muscled cat with plenty of substance, this breed is perfect for people who want a lap cat. Tonkinese ORIGIN US, 1950s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 6–12lb (2.5–5.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS All colors except cinnamon and fawn, in patterns including pointed, tabby, and tortie. Sleek, close-lying chocolate tortie coat darkens with age Brown shaded coat Patterning continues into belly Almond-shaped deep-colored eyes Well-balanced body, neither long nor stocky Slender legs with oval feet High cheekbones Darker brown legs, tail, and face Round-tipped ears set to sides of head Slight stop on nose Blunt muzzle CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS THIS BREED WAS DEVELOPED UNDER THE NAME GOLDEN SIAMESE. Lilac coat
91 Development of this breed began in the 1950s, with crosses between the Siamese and white shorthaired cats. In the UK the first of these hybrids had either orange or blue eyes, but selective breeding produced cats with blue eyes only, which were given the name of Foreign White. Elsewhere, either green or blue eyes are permitted, and the cat is regarded as a solid-colored variant of the Oriental Shorthair, known as the Oriental White. This striking breed has the characteristic elongated lines and vibrant personality of the Siamese. Many blue-eyed white cats have a genetically linked tendency to deafness, but the Foreign White is free from this defect. This dainty, aristocratic cat with a sparkling white coat is very loving, making it an active and loyal companion. Oriental—Foreign White ORIGIN UK, 1950s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 9–14lb (4–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS White only. Taut abdomen Very large, pointed ears Neat oval paws Long, lithe body Almond-shaped blue eyes Wedge-shaped, tapering head Slender legs Short, fine, close-lying coat Pink nose leather THE FOREIGN WHITE IS THE ONLY ORIENTAL BREED THAT CANNOT BE BRED WITH OTHER ORIENTALS. Long, thin tail points at end
Attractive hybrid The Tonkinese is midway between the ultra-lean Oriental cats and the typically stocky shorthair. In early breeding programs, it was first known as the Golden Siamese.
CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS Solid-colored Oriental Shorthairs were developed in the 1950s, initially by crossing Siamese cats (see pp. 104–09) with other shorthaired cats to eliminate the typical Siamese colorpoint pattern. The first of the Oriental Shorthairs had coats in a rich dark shade of brown and were known as Havanas. In later years, these cats were used to develop a separate breed (see p. 102), called the Havana Brown, in the United States. Decades of further selective breeding introduced a wide range of other solid colors to the Oriental Shorthair, starting with a dilute version of the Havana referred to as lilac in the UK and lavender in the US. Bred to combine Siamese lines with traditional solid colors, this cat is highly curious and loves to explore its surroundings. Oriental—Solid ORIGIN UK, 1950s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 9–14lb (4–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Colors include brown (known as Havana), ebony, red, cream, lilac, and blue. Hind legs longer than forelegs Slightly slanting green eyes Pink nose leather Long, elegant neck Red coat has satiny texture Color is uniform from root to tip of each hair Hips should not be wider than shoulders Fine-boned but muscular body Long, straight nose Lilac coat 94
These variations of the Oriental Shorthair are rare because it has proved difficult for breeders to produce their subtle colors. The first Cinnamon was a kitten born in the 1960s to a male Abyssinian (see pp. 132–33) and a female seal point Siamese (see pp. 104–05). The attractive and unusual shade of this kitten’s coat—a lighter, reddish-tinged version of the rich brown Oriental solid-coloring known as Havana—inspired its breeder to develop a new line. Fawn Orientals, which were developed slightly later, are an even more diluted brown and their coats have a mushroom-pink or rosy tint, especially when seen in sunlight. This beautiful, intelligent, and agile cat with a doglike devotion comes in two unusual color versions. Oriental—Cinnamon and Fawn ORIGIN UK, 1960s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 9–14lb (4–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Cinnamon and fawn with no trace of white. Long, slender legs Fine, close-lying cinnamon coat Color of nose leather coordinates with coat Vivid green eyes Typical Oriental body shape; lean and muscular Long, whiplike, thin tail Dainty paws Fawn coloring has warm pinkish tinge THE COAT OF CINNAMON REFLECTS THE LIGHT REDDISH-BROWN COLOR OF A CINNAMON STICK. Fawn coat 95
96 In 1971, a cross between a shaded silver hybrid cat and a red-point Siamese produced a litter of kittens in mixed colors. One kitten, which had the coat pattern known as smoke, inspired breeders to create a new-look Oriental. Each hair of a Smoke’s coat has two color bands. The top band may be either a solid color—including blue, black, red, and chocolate—or tortoiseshell; beneath this, the hair is very pale or white for at least one-third of its length. The pale hair shows through the darker color and is particularly noticeable when the cat moves. A combination of curiosity and intelligence, this striking Oriental is always prepared for a good chase. Oriental—Smoke ORIGIN UK, 1970s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 9–14lb (4–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS Oriental solid colors and tortie and patterns. Slender, graceful neck Hind legs longer than forelegs Taut belly Legs with same color tone as face Vivid green eyes slant down toward nose “Ghost” tabby markings Ears with rounded tips continue wedgeshaped line of head Long, tapering tail Black smoke coat is short, fine, and glossy CATALOG OF BREEDS | SHORTHAIRS
97 The chance mating between a chocolatepoint Siamese (see pp. 104–05) and a Persian Chinchilla (see p. 190) produced a litter that included two kittens with shaded silver coats. This aroused breeders' interest and so began the slow progress toward a new range of Oriental cats. In a shaded Oriental, the coat is essentially a modified tabby pattern, in which the darker markings occur only on the upper ends of the hairs. These markings, which can appear as ticked, spotted, mackerel, or classic tabby patterns, may be quite pronounced in kittens, but as the cat matures the pattern becomes less distinct and in some cats is barely visible. This delicately patterned cat with an unusual beauty is a natural entertainer, full of energy and enthusiasm. Oriental—Shaded ORIGIN UK, 1970s BREED REGISTRIES CFA, FIFe, GCCF, TICA WEIGHT RANGE 9–14lb (4–6.5kg) GROOMING Weekly COLORS AND PATTERNS All colors and tabby patterns, except white. Huge ears very wide at base Wedge-shaped muzzle Distinct outline around eyes Silvery-white throat Almond-shaped green eyes Chocolate silver tabby coat has glistening sheen Long neck Contrast between tipping and light ground color Small, oval paws Tabby markings more pronounced on tail, legs, and face A SHADED CAT HAS A WHITE UNDERCOAT AND THIS IS ONE OF OVER 300 COLORS OF THE ORIENTAL CAT.
Oriental style With its svelte body and striped or spotted coat, the Oriental Shorthair tabby has more than a touch of the jungle about it. All the traditional patterns and colors are accepted.